Obituary of Mary Lou Schafer
Mary Lou (Peterson) Schafer, 87, passed away at her daughter’s home in Apache Junction, Arizona, on October 29, 2022. She had relocated to Arizona in July after having suffered a massive stroke at her home in Fort Scott in February 2022.
Mary Lou was born on November 28, 1934, to parents Willis H. and Verna (Likely) Peterson at their home in Hiattville, the third of nine Peterson siblings. She attended Hepler schools and graduated from Hepler High School in 1952. In 1953, she married Ralph Shoemaker and they moved to Colorado in 1955, where they resided until their divorce in 1965. She then moved to Fort Scott where she met and married John (“Joe”) Schafer in 1973.
Mary Lou worked at Cullor Limestone until she married Joe. After their marriage, she and Joe formed their own business, Schafer Monuments. She attended Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and was an active member of the St. Anne’s Altar Society. She also served on the Fort Scott Housing Authority Board in recent years. Some of her favorite activities were bowling, gardening, fishing, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her three children, Mickey Shoemaker (David) Webb of Apache Junction, Arizona, Brenda Shoemaker (Ron) Fritts of Paola, Kansas, and Martin Shoemaker of Paola, Kansas. She is also survived by four stepchildren, Ronnie (Phyllis) Schafer of Derby, Kansas, Kevin (Debbie) Schafer of Fort Scott, Janet (Joe) Watts of Clearwater, Kansas, and Joyce (Brian) Thorpe of Aurora, Missouri. She is survived by grandchildren Nick Shoemaker and Josh Shoemaker and several step-grandchildren. A great-grandchild, Dakota Fritts. She is survived by siblings Frank Peterson, Margie Madison, Von (Susan) Peterson, Verna Mae (“Sissy”) (Jay) Mall, and sister-in-law Edith Peterson. She had many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Her great-nieces Kendall and Lauren Madison were a big part of her life through her involvement in their 4-H and other activities.
Preceding her in death were her husband Joe Schafer, parents Willis and Verna Peterson, infant sister Louise Peterson, brothers Sonny (“Harry”) Peterson, Bill Peterson, and Pat Peterson, brother-in-law William (“Bill”) Madison, and sisters-in-law Joyce Peterson and Sue Peterson. Two grandsons, Douglas Felt (son of Mickey Webb) and Kyle Fritts (son of Brenda Fritts), and niece and nephew Angela Madison Handke and Thomas Madison (children of Margie Madison).
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, where services are currently being held in the Kennedy Gym. A private burial will take place in Centerville Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Mary Queen of Angels Building Fund in care of Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Unofficial Results of Bourbon County General Election 2022
Republicans win in Bourbon County, with almost 40 percent voter turnout.
To view the numbers sent from the county clerk’s office:
Obituary of Brian McDaniel
Brian Scott McDaniel, age 49, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott. He was born December 14, 1972, in Ft Scott, the son of Darrell McDaniel and Linda Kay Dunlap McDaniel. Brian received an Associates Degree from Ft. Scott Community College. He was currently employed by Winvent. Brian will be remembered for his mechanical ability; he was always willing to help friends and family with car repairs. Brian enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed kayaking, but he really enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He often participated in patriotic rides with the American Legion. Brian also enjoyed shooting pool and was an avid fan of the San Francisco ‘49ers.
Survivors include his children, Kris Nickelson (Meganeira) of Lawrence, Kansas, Donna Luther (Justin) of Nevada, Missouri, Bre Bockes (Marc) of Kansas City, Missouri, Lenora McDaniel (Lazerick) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Monica Rice, of Joplin, Missouri, Karah Beerbower of Ft. Scott, Angela McDaniel also of Ft. Scott and Brian Stumfoll of Nevada, Missouri and twenty grandchildren with another granddaughter on the way. Also surviving are his father, Darrell McDaniel of Bentonville, Arkansas and a sister, Melissa McDaniel (Michael) of Bella Vista, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his mother and two sisters, Tammy Baglin and Angela Delaney.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
FSCC Christmas Play This Friday, November 12th!
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Kansas 2022 Holiday Gift Boxes Now Selling
MANHATTAN, Kansas — Holiday gift boxes are now available to order for the 2022 holiday season from the From the Land of Kansas state trademark program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Each gift box contains an assortment of products grown, raised or produced in Kansas, with two size options available: the Konza Box and the Ad Astra Box. From the Land of Kansas gift boxes allow for ease of purchase for family, friends or clients and add a personal, customized note for the holiday season.
The Konza Box includes sand plum jelly from Bruce’s Bullseye Farms, pepper meat sticks from R Family Farms, allergy-friendly snack bites from Safely Delicious, garden veggie dip from Twisted Pepper Co., sunflower oil from Wright Enterprises, Snaxsun lightly salted wheat snacks from Wheatland Foods, and a chocolate bar from The Sweet Granada.
The Ad Astra Box includes white popcorn kernels from Free Day Popcorn, Merry Berry jam from Grandma Hoerner’s, sweet and tangy mustard from Grannie’s Homemade Mustard, medium garden salsa from Holmes Made Salsa, sugar cookie mix from Queen Marie Gluten Free, chai concentrate mix from Signet Coffee Roasters, lavender mint lip balm from Sweet Streams Lavender, sunflower oil form Wright Enterprises, meat sticks from Yoder Meats and a chocolate bar from The Sweet Granada.
Gift boxes can be purchased online at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com/
“Our holiday gift boxes are the perfect gift for anyone who loves Kansas. It’s a way to give back to Kansas ag businesses while making gift shopping simple and personalized,” said Sammy Gleason, From the Land of Kansas marketing manager. “We appreciate all our customers who come back each year to support our amazing producers and look forward to new customers ordering for the first time.”
The From the Land of Kansas trademark program at KDA is designed to promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. For more information about the holiday gift boxes or about the trademark program, visit fromthelandofkansas.com or contact From the Land of Kansas marketing manager Sammy Gleason at 785-564-6755.
Joseph O’Bryan Jr. Obituary
Joseph Gabriel O’Bryan, Jr., age 71, current resident of Overland Park, KS, and formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday morning, November 6, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born June 23, 1951, in Ft. Scott, the son of Joe and Rosemary Rendina O’Bryan of Hiattville, KS. Joseph attended St. Patrick’s Grade School in Walnut, KS, and went on to graduate from Mauer Hill Prep School in Atchison, KS, with the class of 1969. Joseph then attended Pittsburg State University and graduated in 1974.
Joseph was very proud of putting himself through high school and college. Joseph married Karen Willard on June 30, 2007, in Ft. Scott. Growing up, Joseph worked on the family ranch. After college he worked for Midwestern Distribution as a customer service representative and logistics design coordinator. Later, he was employed by Shepherd Team Auto Plaza, then Names and Numbers, and finally sold and serviced credit card systems throughout the United States until retirement
Joseph enjoyed playing golf and being in nature on his horse Redbird during his time on the family farm.
Survivors include his wife Karen of the home and stepson Dustin Willard, Lenexa, KS.
Also surviving are his brothers and sisters W.W. O’Bryan, Hepler, KS, Savina Schoenhofer (Gwen Bussa), Jackson, MS, Mary Jo Van Walleghem (Mike), Stillwell, KS, Patrick O’Bryan (Tim), Pittsburg, KS, Maggie Meetz, Fairview, TX, Daniel O’Bryan (Lyn), Wichita, KS, and Katie McCroskey (Bob), Springfield, MO; sisters-in-law Sondra Cowen (Larry), Ft. Scott, Connie Hayden (Dale), Manhattan, KS, and Kim Sheets, Siloam Springs, AR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Joseph was proceeded in death by his parents, Joe and Rosemary O’Bryan, Vicki Smith O’Bryan, Kenny and Ann Smith, Curtis and Wilda Insley, Mike and Susan O’Bryan, and John Meetz.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, November 11th, at the John F. Kennedy Gymnasium in Ft. Scott.
Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
The Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 PM Thursday followed by a visitation from 5:30 until 7:00 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Lois (Middleton) Cooney
Lois Lavon (Middleton) Cooney, age 89, a resident of Frontenac Medicalodge and formally of Ft. Scott, KS, left this world on Monday, November 7, 2022.
She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Lois was born to Lee Charles and Allie (Peterson) Middleton on February 3, 1933, in Pawnee, KS. She graduated from Uniontown high School in 1951. She married Alvin D. Cooney on November 25, 1953, at the Dry Ridge Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on April 4, 1974.
After her husband retired from the Air Force in 1971, Lois returned to the area and worked for the Western Insurance Company as well as Newman-Young clinic. Upon retiring, she worked for the Beacon until health issues forced her to move closer to her daughter in Frontenac.
Lois was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Garland, KS, and a past member of Eastern Star. She enjoyed walking, reading, her church, volunteering and working at the Beacon, as well as spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include a son, Michael Cooney (Ruth), Galveston, TX; a daughter, Lori Mendicki (Patrick), Frontenac, KS; five grandchildren, Haley and Shawn Bugni, Frontenac, KS, Rachel and Jeff Paxton, Houston, TX, Kadin and Lauren Mendicki, Frontenac, KS, Tanner Mendicki, North Kansas City, MO, and Bradley Cooney, Galveston, TX; eight great-grandchildren, Kyndal, Reid, Kanton, and Emersyn Bugni, Trip and Holden Mendicki, Stella Cooney, and Ivy Paxton. She is also survived by a brother Kenneth Middleton, Uniontown, KS, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Carrie Elbrader, Carolyn Rourk, and Donna Williams, as well as a brother, David Middleton.
A special thanks to Pittsburg Guest Home Estates, Medicalodge Frontenac, and Gentiva Hospice especially Melissa and Sam.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, November 14th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to either Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or Gentiva Hospice, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Artificers Gallery Opens For Christmas Art Show Dec. 2-4
Kate and Trent Freeman, local artists who moved from Kansas City,
are in the final stretch of their renovation of the building they purchased, at 8 N. National Avenue. The name of their art business is the Artificers.
“We are so excited to finally give the community a sneak peek into The Artificers,” Kate said. “Our Christmas Art Show will be held at 8 North National Avenue. We are renovating and restoring the Hammon’s Real Estate building and after a few obstacles we are ready to host our 6th Annual Christmas Show in our new gallery.”
The art sale/ show will be open December 2, from 5-9 p.m., December 3, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., December 4, noon to 5.p.m
“We hope everyone coming for the Candlelight Tour at the Fort Scott National Historic Site will stop in and see us,” she said.
The Artificers have selected eight artists to set up and sell their artwork this year.
For Christmas, Trent and Kate create sculpture exclusively.
“Other artists will have pottery, copper jewelry, Airbrush and Graphite, and an illustrator and a photographer,” she said. “Our artists are true craftsmen, all their work is original and limited, or handmade made from raw materials.”
The artists include: Trent and Kate Freeman, sculpture; Erin Shevling, pottery; Tim Kienzel, copper jewelry; Darrell Williams, Airbrush/Graphite; Julie Snitker, illustrator; Andrea Latham, ceramics; and Maggie Brenner, photography.
“We started this show six years ago at our former studio in Kansas City as a way to give some of our artist friends an outlet to show and sell their artwork during the Christmas and holiday season,” she said. “We soon learned that our clients loved coming as much as we enjoyed showing off our latest creations.’
‘We have had wonderful support every year from friends, family and clients new and old,” Kate said. “Last year, with the setbacks of the building remodel, Jared Leek, owner of Front Door Realty, Crooner’s Restaurant and The Liberty Theater, was generous enough to provide us space in Front Door Realty and open up Crooner’s so we could continue with our tradition of this show. We will be forever grateful to them for their generosity.”
About the Artificers
The Artificers is a collection of artists and craftsmen.
They are a privately owned art gallery, and a teaching studio and working studio with two resident artists, Trent and Kate Freeman.
Trent and Kate each have their own studio in the building.
The Artificers will offer a space for professional artists to apply to display their work as well as the aspiring artist to take classes in many different mediums including but not limited to clay, airbrush, watercolor, acrylic, stained glass etc.
“We will be having regular Master Artist gallery openings as well as opportunities to learn from those artists,” Kate said. “We also have several community art events on the horizon that we would like to host or be involved in developing. We are so excited to be a positive force in Historic Downtown Fort Scott and look forward to inviting you into our new space.”
Their website
Obituary of Terry Lee Young Sr.
The sun rose on Terry Lee Young Sr. on July 25, 1953 in Fort Scott, Kan. He was born to James Wheeler and Edith Fern Young. He was raised by his uncle Nelson and aunt Verna Mae (Young) Hackner.
Terry was affectionately called “Butch” by his family and friends. He had four sisters – Verna Jo, Alice, Anita Diane, and Pat. He had five brothers – Mitchell, Steve, Larry, Elmer, and Brian.
Butch matriculated through the Fort Scott public school system. He graduated from Fort Scott High school in 1971, after which time he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and received the following honors/medals: Rifle Marksman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and National Defense Service Medal.
After active military service, Terry found his passion as a truck driver. His handle was, “Happy go Lucky.” He started a family and was the proud father of Larron Harrison (married to Leslie), Corey Young, Sanice Young, and Terry Young Jr. (married to Meghan). He was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Ti’yana Young, Kimara Rhea, Jalen King, Terry Young III, Ashlie Young, Tevaris Young, Danielle Young, Blake, Jace, and Ty Harrison, Nakesha, Keagen, Corbyn, Nakyah, and Nacoreyah Young. He had five great-grandchildren: Kynden Miller, Kaesyn Johnson, Niemah, Treyson, and Alyse Young. He is also survived by Uncle Roy Jean and Aunt Kathleen.
He is preceded in death by a daughter Alisa Ninette, his parents, and his aunt and uncle that raised him.
The sun set on Terry Lee Young Sr. on Oct. 5, 2022 when the good Lord called His son home. To know him was to love every part of him. He leaves an empty space in all of our hearts. His love, his devotion, wit, and his willingness to help and ABSOLUTE unconditional love will be missed.
He has been cremated.
DeeAnn Allen will conduct memorial services at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at Fort Scott National Cemetery.
New Communities Asked to Join Kansas Main Street Program
Kansas Main Street Program Seeking New Communities, Hosting Application Workshop
TOPEKA – The Kansas Main Street program announced today it is seeking new communities to join the program in 2023. On Monday, November 14, at 10 a.m., the program will host a virtual application workshop for communities interested in the program.
“My administration rebuilt economic development tools like the Kansas Main Street Program, and it has since been a crucial part of preserving and growing Kansas downtowns,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage more Kansas communities to join this program and strengthen their economy.”
Kansas Main Street provides technical assistance and support for communities working to revitalize their downtown area by focusing on four points — economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.
Communities wishing to submit applications will be required first to attend the virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for successfully completing the application.
Applications for the Kansas Main Street program will open on December 5 and close on February 3, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in February, with new communities announced in March.
“Since Governor Kelly brought the Kansas Main Street program back in 2019, ten communities have been added, bringing the total number of designated communities to 35,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These Kansas communities once again have the resources and tools they need to enhance the quality of life and breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.”
Benefits of earning designation as a Kansas Main Street community include:
- Comprehensive technical assistance from the state and national programs to further economic development downtown.
- Training in strategic planning, program capacity-building, and organizational management for the Main Street organization.
- Individualized training for Main Street managers, boards, and other Main Street participants.
- Attendance to statewide quarterly training and professional development opportunities for participant communities.
- Access to design services to help downtown property owners undertake effective rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive reuse, and infill projects, as well as reimagining public spaces within the district.
- Access to business assistance such as recruitment and retention, succession planning, business plan development, and entrepreneurial development.
- Membership in the Main Street America network.
“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,” said Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell. “Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is a positive step forward for our state.”
Registration for the November 14 application workshop is required, which can be completed here.
For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, visit https://www.